Finding a great restaurant in Georgia isn’t hard, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with how fast the food scene is growing. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the first time in Georgia, this 2025 guide highlights the restaurants that genuinely stand out — not just because they’re famous, but because the food, service, and experience keep people coming back. Below are the 15 restaurants I genuinely believe every food lover should try at least once.
1. Bacchanalia – Atlanta
Bacchanalia has held its reputation for decades, and 2025 is no different. This place earned national recognition, including a Michelin Star, for a reason. They don’t just cook food — they create an experience around seasonal ingredients, many of which come straight from their own farm.
The tasting menu always changes, but you can expect dishes like melt-in-your-mouth lobster, perfectly aged beef, and creative vegetable preparations you’ve never seen before. The service is polished, the environment is quiet, and the entire evening feels curated from start to finish.
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
- Best For: Special occasions, tasting-menu lovers
- Why it stands out: It’s one of the few restaurants in Georgia consistently ranking among the top fine-dining spots in the U.S.
2. Atlas – Atlanta
Located inside the St. Regis Atlanta, Atlas is all about elegance. As soon as you walk in, you notice the art — original works by Picasso and Matisse hang on the walls — but the food is what steals the show.
They focus heavily on seasonal American dishes, served with the kind of precision you expect from a Michelin-recognized restaurant. Their wine list is one of the best in the entire Southeast, so if you enjoy pairings, this is the place.
- Cuisine: Modern American / Fine Dining
- Best For: Wine lovers, luxury dining
- Why it stands out: The atmosphere makes you feel like you’re dining in a private luxury gallery.
3. Hayakawa – Atlanta
If you want true traditional Japanese sushi — not Americanized versions — Hayakawa is the top choice in Georgia. The chef, Atsushi Hayakawa, is known for his discipline and perfectionism. Every piece of fish is cut to the correct temperature, the rice is seasoned just right, and the focus is entirely on purity of flavor.
This is an omakase experience, meaning the chef decides the menu. It’s quiet, personal, and unforgettable.
- Cuisine: Authentic Japanese Omakase
- Best For: Sushi purists, intimate dining
- Why it stands out: It’s one of the few restaurants in the state that delivers a Tokyo-level sushi experience.
4. Lazy Betty – Atlanta
Lazy Betty feels warm and inviting, but the food is surprisingly high-level. It’s the kind of restaurant where the chefs take classic ingredients and turn them into something playful and artistic.
The tasting menu is the highlight — beautifully plated dishes, creative textures, and unexpected flavor combinations. If you’re into food shows or modern cooking, this is a must-visit.
- Cuisine: Creative New American
- Best For: Foodies who love modern twists
- Why it stands out: Every visit feels different because the menu changes often based on what’s fresh and in season.
5. The Chastain – Atlanta
The Chastain blends casual Southern comfort with upscale technique. The vibe is relaxed, but the food quality is outstanding. Many ingredients are sourced locally, and they’ve been recognized for their sustainable approach.
You’ll find dishes like slow-braised meats, creative vegetable sides, and some of the best fresh-baked pastries in Atlanta (especially if you visit during brunch).
- Cuisine: Elevated Southern / Farm-Driven
- Best For: Comfort food with a refined touch
- Why it stands out: Great food without the “fine-dining pressure” — perfect for a date night or weekend outing.
6. Gunshow – Atlanta
Gunshow is one of the most unique dining experiences in Georgia. Instead of the traditional restaurant setup, chefs bring dishes directly to your table, like a dim sum-style service, but with Southern and modern American dishes. Every plate feels personal, and you can see the creativity of each chef on display.
Signature flavors are strong, playful, and sometimes unexpected. If you enjoy trying dishes you won’t find anywhere else, Gunshow gives you a memorable night out.
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired / Modern American
- Best For: Food lovers who enjoy bold, creative flavors
- Why it stands out: The interactive dining style makes every visit different — great for adventurous eaters.
7. Canoe – Atlanta (Vinings)
Canoe is one of Atlanta’s most beautiful riverside restaurants. Located along the Chattahoochee River, it’s perfect for diners who appreciate great food and a calm, natural setting.
The menu mixes fresh seafood, perfectly cooked meats, and seasonal produce. They’re known for their attention to detail — from plating to service — and the peaceful environment adds a touch of luxury without feeling overly formal.
- Cuisine: Upscale American
- Best For: Romantic dinners, scenic views
- Why it stands out: The riverfront setting makes it one of Georgia’s most atmospheric dining spots.
8. The National – Athens, GA
Located in downtown Athens, The National blends Mediterranean flavors with Southern warmth. The food is fresh and vibrant — think grilled meats, flavorful vegetables, and dishes inspired by Spain, Greece, and North Africa.
It’s also a favorite among University of Georgia locals, but still feels refined enough for travelers looking for a memorable meal. The consistency here is impressive, which is why it stays busy year-round.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired American
- Best For: Travelers exploring Athens, casual foodies
- Why it stands out: A refreshing break from typical Southern food, offering lighter, Mediterranean-style dishes.
9. Husk Savannah – Savannah, GA
Husk is famous across the South, and the Savannah location keeps that reputation strong. Every dish highlights ingredients from local farmers and regional sources, making it one of the purest farm-to-table restaurants in Georgia.
Their menu changes daily — sometimes even hourly — depending on what’s fresh. Expect dishes like wood-fired meats, creative vegetable sides, and seasonal seafood with deep Southern roots.
- Cuisine: Southern / Farm-to-Table
- Best For: Southern cuisine lovers, food tourists
- Why it stands out: A perfect blend of heritage Southern cuisine and modern cooking techniques.
10. The Grey – Savannah, GA
The Grey is set inside a restored 1938 Greyhound bus station, which gives it one of the most unique atmospheres in the state. Chef Mashama Bailey, a James Beard Award winner, is the creative force behind the menu.
The food takes inspiration from both Southern roots and global flavors. You’ll find dishes that feel familiar, yet elevated — tender meats, rich sauces, elegant sides, and desserts you’ll think about for days.
- Cuisine: Southern with Global Influences
- Best For: Food lovers looking for a cultural, historic dining experience
- Why it stands out: The combination of history, storytelling, and world-class cooking makes The Grey a true destination restaurant.
11. Miller Union – Atlanta
Miller Union is the type of restaurant you recommend to someone who really appreciates clean, honest cooking. They focus heavily on local vegetables, sustainably raised meats, and simple preparations that let the ingredients shine. Their farm egg baked in celery cream is one of their most iconic dishes — rich, comforting, and beautifully presented.
The atmosphere feels warm and relaxed, making it perfect for a quiet dinner, date night, or even a business meal.
- Cuisine: Seasonal Southern / Farm-Driven
- Best For: Fresh, ingredient-focused dining
- Why it stands out: It consistently ranks among the top restaurants for farm-to-table dining in Atlanta.
12. South City Kitchen – Midtown, Atlanta
South City Kitchen has been an Atlanta staple for decades. If you’re looking for elevated Southern classics — fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, chicken and dumplings — this is the place to go.
The service is friendly, the environment is classy without being formal, and the flavors are exactly what you’d hope for from a modern Southern kitchen.
- Cuisine: Modern Southern
- Best For: Visitors wanting true Southern flavors
- Why it stands out: It brings comfort food to a higher level while still keeping the heart of Southern cooking.
13. The Alden – Chamblee, GA
The Alden doesn’t always show up on tourist lists, but locals know it’s one of the hidden gems in Georgia. It offers a chef’s tasting menu that feels refined but still approachable.
You’ll get dishes inspired by global flavors mixed with locally sourced ingredients — the kind of food that’s creative without feeling overwhelming. The dining room is sleek and comfortable, making it perfect for a quieter, upscale meal.
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
- Best For: Tasting menus outside the busy Atlanta core
- Why it stands out: It blends fine dining with a neighborhood feel.
14. Pearl & Vine – West Cobb, GA
Pearl & Vine has quickly become a favorite for West Cobb locals. The menu focuses on steak, fresh seafood, and beautifully plated entrées. Their wine list is strong, and the service is consistent, making it a reliable spot for celebrations, date nights, or weekend dinners.
The decor is modern and polished, yet still welcoming — one of those places where you feel taken care of without the intimidating fine-dining vibe.
- Cuisine: American Steak & Seafood
- Best For: Upscale dinners without going into downtown Atlanta
- Why it stands out: A luxury-level meal without Atlanta traffic.
15. Ecco – Midtown, Atlanta
Ecco is perfect if you like bold European flavors — think handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, excellent charcuterie, and a wine list with great variety. The restaurant has a sleek, modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in a warm glow during dinner service.
It’s a popular date-night spot and an easy choice for anyone who loves Mediterranean-inspired cooking with a clean, modern twist.
- Cuisine: European-Inspired / Modern American
- Best For: Stylish nights out, Mediterranean flavors
- Why it stands out: Consistently creative menu, great wine, and a beautiful atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s restaurant scene keeps getting better every year, and 2025 is no exception. Whether you’re after fine dining, creative tasting menus, authentic international cuisine, or elevated Southern comfort food, this state has something for every kind of food lover. What makes Georgia special is the balance between high-end restaurants with national recognition and local neighborhood gems that feel warm, honest, and personal.
If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll notice how much passion Georgia chefs pour into their ingredients — especially when it comes to fresh produce, seafood, and regional flavors. And if you’re a local, you probably already know how fun it is to explore new openings while still holding onto long-time favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best restaurant in Georgia for fine dining?
If you’re looking specifically for fine dining, Bacchanalia and Atlas are usually considered the top choices. Both offer tasting menus, exceptional service, and some of the highest-rated dishes in the state.
2. Which restaurant in Georgia is best for authentic sushi?
For true Japanese omakase, Hayakawa is unmatched. The experience is intimate and focuses on high-quality fish, precision, and traditional technique.
3. Are reservations required for these restaurants?
For most of the high-end restaurants (Bacchanalia, Lazy Betty, Hayakawa, The Grey, Atlas), reservations are strongly recommended — sometimes weeks in advance. More casual spots like South City Kitchen or The National often accept walk-ins, but weekends can still be busy.
4. What is the best restaurant in Georgia for Southern food?
If you want classic Southern flavors with a modern twist, South City Kitchen is a reliable favorite. For a more refined, farm-to-table version of Southern cooking, Husk Savannah and The Chastain are excellent choices.
5. Which Georgia restaurants offer the best value for the price?
Restaurants like The National, Pearl & Vine, and Ecco offer great food, strong consistency, and a good dining atmosphere without the extremely high fine-dining prices.
